The doors opened Oct. 1 for Idahoans to start shopping online for health insurance plans. About 278,000 uninsured state residents can compare and purchase plans through the Idaho health insurance exchange. So can those who are paying too much for their current coverage or who previously were denied coverage because of preexisting conditions.

The state insurance marketplace was established under the Affordable Care Act, and the policies available will take effect Jan. 1. AARP Idaho aims to ensure that people know about the exchange and understand how to compare plans and sign up.